The best update from the San Francisco 49ers’ OTAs comes from head coach Kyle Shanahan, who reports that Christian McCaffrey is “as healthy as possible.” McCaffrey, who just turned 29, managed to avoid serious injuries despite being limited to four games last season due to ankle Achilles tendonitis and right knee injuries. He rushed for 202 yards without scoring a touchdown, averaging four yards per carry.
A video from the 49ers’ workout in Santa Clara showed McCaffrey making sharp cuts and accelerating powerfully. Last season, McCaffrey fell short of replicating his career-best NFL-leading stats of 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, alongside 564 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns on 67 catches, which earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
He signed a two-year, $38 million contract extension last June, keeping him with the 49ers through 2027. The team’s rushing offense noticeably suffered without McCaffrey, ranking 12th in the NFL with 2,163 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry—down from third place with 2,389 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2023.
Jordan Mason led the 49ers in rushing last year with 789 yards but was hampered by ankle and shoulder injuries and has since signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. This leaves Isaac Grend as the top returning rusher with 420 yards, though he has also dealt with knee and ankle problems.
McCaffrey’s apparent recovery is a major positive for the 49ers, especially as head coach Shanahan may miss some of training camp for paternity leave. This situation provides opportunities for second-year player Jordan James, a fifth-round pick, and undrafted free agent Corey Kinner to gain valuable playing time and prepare to contribute.
Fan Take: This is huge news for NFL fans because a healthy McCaffrey can transform the 49ers’ offense and make them serious Super Bowl contenders. His return highlights how crucial elite running backs remain in shaping dynamic, versatile offenses in today’s NFL.
